Microsoft’s co-founder Paul Allen has passed away.
Allen, who died from complications from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, had before been treated of the disease twice; in 1982 and 2009. The disease made a return a fortnight ago and was sadly not combatted successfully this time round.
Allen and Bill Gates were friends from Lakeside School and founded Microsoft together back in 1975. It is worth noting that Allen came up with the name ‘Microsoft’ for the software company. He left the company in 1983 after his first stint with cancer.
Ranked as the 44th richest person in the world with a $20.5 billion fortune, Allen funded a lot of projects such as university libraries and brain research centres, among other institutions of science. He has also donated more than $2 billion to charity.
Here are some of the condolence messages sent by tech leaders around the world:
Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer remarked that Allen was a ‘truly inspiring person.’
Paul was a truly wonderful, bright and inspiring person—- and a great friend. I will miss him https://t.co/HYhtgZGo8C
— Steve Ballmer (@Steven_Ballmer) October 15, 2018
“We lost a great technology pioneer today,” noted Google CEO Sundar Pichai.
We lost a great technology pioneer today – thank you Paul Allen for your immense contributions to the world through your work and your philanthropy. Thoughts are with his family and the entire Microsoft community.
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) October 15, 2018
“Our industry has lost a pioneer and our world has lost a force for good,” added Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Our industry has lost a pioneer and our world has lost a force for good. We send our deepest condolences to Paul’s friends, the Allen family and everyone at Microsoft.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) October 15, 2018
World’s richest person and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said that ‘His passion for invention and pushing forward inspired so many.’
Very sad to hear of Paul Allen’s passing. His passion for invention and pushing forward inspired so many. He was relentless to the end. My heart goes out to Paul’s family and friends.
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) October 15, 2018
May he rest well.
